The four-player field for this month’s NBA Slam Dunk Contest at All-Star Weekend was finalized Monday morning, and it didn’t include Portland Trail Blazers high-flying guard Shaedon Sharpe.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the four-player field set to compete in the event this year includes San Antonio Spurs rookie guard Stephon Castle, Chicago Bulls rookie forward Matas Buzelis, Milwaukee Bucks guard Andre Jackson Jr. and Orlando Magic two-way contract player Mac McClung. McClung, 26, aims to be the first player in NBA history to win the contest in three consecutive years (hold for wild applause).
Sharpe and his revered vertical represented one of the primary chances for the Blazers to participate at All-Star Weekend in San Francisco, taking place Feb. 14-16. The third-year guard has never competed in the dunk contest. He initially signed up to participate during his rookie year, but ultimately withdrew from the contest.
With Sharpe not in the dunk contest field and no Blazers in the hunt for an All-Star nod this season, the team’s remaining chances for All-Star Weekend representation likely rest with rookie center Donovan Clingan and two-way contract player Bryce McGowens. Clingan is a candidate to play in the Rising Stars Challenge. McGowens could receive a spot in the G League Next Up Game for his work with the Rip City Remix.
EDIT: As some readers correctly pointed out in the comment section, Blazers second-year players Scoot Henderson and Toumani Camara could also receive consideration for the Rising Stars Challenge. Henderson has competed in the event in three consecutive seasons, dating back to his time with the G League Ignite. That extensive history with the event makes this writer think Henderson won’t participate for a fourth time, but it’s possible. Among the two, Camara seems like a more likely bet to go to San Francisco.
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